Ulster County DA Offers Tips to Avoid Travel Scams

TRAVEL SCAMS – 10 TIPS TO AVOID GETTING TAKEN

Summer is just around the corner. The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs offers these tips to avoid becoming the victim of a travel scam:

• If you are offered a travel deal by email, it could be a scam.
• “If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is.” Be sure to check the fine print. The airfare may be free, but you may be required to stay in particular accommodations which turn out to be expensive.
• Never give your credit card number or any personal financial information to an unknown caller.
• It’s important to ask what is NOT included. Service charges, processing fees and taxes are typically added on after the fact.
• Know that you can only dispute credit card charges within 60 days of acquiring them.

**Never dial a 900 number to reach a travel agency or club. No legitimate company requires you to pay for a 900 call to reach a customer service representative.**

• Make sure you get copies of everything and read them prior to signing a contract. For instance, what is the cancellation/refund policy?
• Don’t give in to high pressure sales tactics such as “This offer expires at midnight.”
• Don’t make a payment before you receive all the information. Legitimate travel businesses will make sure you have all the details before you have to pay for anything.
• Ask for references and contact them but be wary of references that seem to parrot everything the company has told you.

If you have questions or concerns, Consumer Affairs can be reached at 845-340-3260.